Garber Formalizes Quest For Treasurer

June 18, 2002|By LISA CHEDEKEL; Courant Staff Writer

Glastonbury Republican Ross Garber officially began his campaign for state treasurer Monday, telling supporters gathered at Mamacita's Restaurant in Hartford that his agenda was ``simple and sound: I will return integrity, accountability and results to the state treasury.''

Garber, 35, has been gearing up for months to challenge Democratic state Treasurer Denise Nappier in the November election. Two years ago, he ran a strong challenge against state Sen. Mary Ann Handley, D-Manchester, in one of that year's most watched Senate races.

Garber, a lawyer, advocated the creation of an independent board to help chart state investment policy.

``After the mismanagement and scandals of the past, how can we say that our public employees -- or Connecticut taxpayers -- deserve any less,'' asked Garber. ``After the financial scandals that have roiled Wall Street, how can we be satisfied with the slipshod approach on Elm Street?''

Nappier has earned plaudits for reforms she put in place after her predecessor, Paul J. Silvester, a Republican, pleaded guilty to corruption charges stemming from what federal prosecutors describe as a kickback-and-racketeering scheme involving hundreds of millions in state pension investments. But she also has been criticized for some personnel decisions, including hiring the brother-in-law of two people involved in the scandal.

Nappier's aides have said she is running for re-election based on her record of reform and integrity.